At every level, state and local governments have come to rely on video conferencing solutions. Once considered too expensive and complex for everyday use, the affordability of video conferencing enables organizations of all sizes to improve decision-making, stay connected with one another and their citizens, and empower more effective leadership while reducing travel and office costs.
Two of the leading video conferencing solutions for public sector agencies are Webex and Zoom. Some agencies also use Slack, but with limited capabilities, it’s not a true contender on its own to securely support cross departmental collaboration. Below, we compare these solutions to see who wins the vote as the best video collaboration tool.
Comparison 1: Pricing
With budget restrictions, government agencies must ensure they’re getting the most value from taxpayer dollars.
Webex |
Zoom |
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Free option |
Free option |
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Competitive Business and Enterprise plans |
Competitive Pro, Business, and Business Plus plans |
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All-in-one platform: Calling, Meeting, Messaging |
Meetings and Chat |
Winner: Tie
Webex and Zoom are comparatively priced, but Webex delivers a lot more features and unparalleled security.
Comparison 2: Security
In 2022 cybergangs, some backed by nation states, made a point of going after poorly resourced local governments across the U.S. In many cases, video conferencing is the open door these cybercriminals are looking to use.
Webex |
Zoom |
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Stellar reputation for excellent security |
Have experienced some serious security problems |
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U.S.-based servers |
U.S.-based servers |
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End-to-end encryption, data loss prevention, and multi-factor authentication |
Less robust authentication features with single sign-on |
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All-in-one solution for messaging, multiple virtual meeting rooms, and calling |
Newly released Zoom Chat security options, including external contact management and chat encryption. |
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ISO 27001 certified, Service Organization Controls (SOC) 2 Type II audited, StateRAMP certified, Cloud Computing Compliance Controls Catalogue (C5) attestation, Privacy Shield Framework certified, FISMA, GDPR, CCPA, COPPA, FERPA, and HIPAA compliant |
StateRAMP certified, FERPA and HIPAA compliance and provides 256-bit AES encryption |
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Locked personal room meetings, password enforced meeting connections, encrypted cloud recordings |
User ID watermarking to help address leaks and unauthorized disclosures |
Winner: Webex
Backed by Cisco’s leading-edge security innovations, Webex is the undisputed leader when it comes to security. Even prior to the pandemic, Zoom has had its share of problems, though recently they have strengthened their security measures.
Comparison 3: Video Conferencing Quality
Video collaboration tools must provide quality to empower collaboration and flexible options to meet the unique demands of each agency.
Webex |
Zoom |
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HD video and audio with broadcast-quality audio |
HD video and audio |
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Consistent experience using any device—mobile, tablet, laptop or video device |
Consistent experience using any device—mobile, tablet, laptop or video device |
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Single-vendor system with end-to-end integration for seamless interoperability |
Contract with third-party vendors for in-room conferencing solutions which can create ongoing support complexity |
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Record lessons for on-demand viewing in easy-to-share MP4 formats |
Session recording |
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Switch from chat to a call, or from a voice call to video, with a single tap. |
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Winner: Webex
Webex was named a 2022 Gartner Magic Quadrant Leader for Unified Communications as a Services (UCaaS).
UCaaS is a cloud-delivered unified communications model that supports enterprise telephony, meetings (audio/video/web conferencing), unified messaging, instant messaging, and presence (personal and team).
Comparison 4: Ease of Use
From staff to constituents, technology skill levels vary substantially. But with so many people relying on video collaboration to stay connected, stay safe during emergencies, and stay informed, simplicity matters more than ever.
Webex |
Zoom |
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Uncomplicated user interface (UI) |
Highly intuitive user interface (UI) |
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Quickly share desktop, documents, and other apps |
Fewer enterprise features |
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Live collaboration feature that allows participants to feel like they are in the same room |
One-click content sharing and real-time co-annotation |
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Record meetings |
Record meetings |
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Create whiteboard sessions |
Digital whiteboarding |
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Facial recognition to identify attendees |
|
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No download necessary |
|
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Accessible and inclusive experience with keyboard shortcuts, closed captioning, and screen reader support |
Accessible for everyone with closed captioning and keyboard shortcuts |
Winner: Webex
Due to Webex’s more robust security features, Zoom may appear to be more intuitive to use —but Webex is in no way difficult to use. In fact, they’re consistently improving the experience to ensure usability.
Comparison 5: Teams space
Remote work may have teams working just about everywhere but having a collaborative team workspace is key to keeping government agencies running.
Webex |
Zoom |
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Multi-solution tool: virtual meeting rooms, chat space, calling solutions |
Disparate collaboration solutions with separate video calling and team chat spaces |
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Interoperability with common collaboration solutions, including Microsoft Teams |
Third-party chat vendor in Slack |
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Committed to open standards and interoperability |
|
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Interoperability with Microsoft and Zoom |
|
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Wirelessly pair and share directly from your laptop to Webex devices |
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Winner: Webex
Small teams to large meetings, Webex creates virtual team spaces that enable everyone to collaborate freely using a variety of tools that bring everyone together, no matter where they are.
Comparison 6: Integrations
Toggling between apps and windows not only slows your team down, but it can also create frustration and more errors. This can not only make doing government business difficult, but it can also create security gaps.
Webex |
Zoom |
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Integrates with a variety of third-party solutions, including Microsoft Outlook and soon Microsoft Teams |
Third-party integrations but not as many as Webex |
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Securely integrates with Webex devices, including screens, digital whiteboards, video devices, telephones, cameras, and headsets. |
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Winner: Webex
Webex integrates with hundreds of industry-leading apps and tools—including Microsoft Teams—so your team can get more done.
The Verdict
The votes have been counted, and Webex is the clear winner. Webex provides all the collaboration tools state and local government agencies need. —secure video conferencing, collaborative chat space, and crystal-clear calling—to keep your staff and citizens connected.
To learn more about Webex and what it could mean for your organization, visit our Webex Resource Page.
